And if I had not a letter to write myself, I might sit by you and admire the evenness of your writing, as another young lady once did. But I have an aunt too, who must not be longer neglected.

but a sanguine temper, though for ever expecting more good than occurs, does not always pay for its hopes by any proportionate depression. it soon flies over the present failure, and begins to hope again.

Every young lady may feel for my heroine in this critical moment, for every young lady has at some time or other known the same agitation.

I frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.

Here and there, human nature may be great in times of trial, but generally speaking it is its weakness and not its strength that appears in a sick chamber; it is selfishness and impatience rather than generosity and fortitude, that one hears of. There is so little real friendship in the world! – and unfortunately' (speaking low and tremulously) 'there are so many who forget to think seriously till it is almost too late.

I do not want people to be very agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them a great deal.

Had I not been bound to silence I could have provided proof enough of a broken heart, even for you.